Warning! Spoilers forThe Empyrean Series!
Summary
The cover forOnyx Stormmakes me hopeful that we will get a POV I have wanted more of sinceFourth Wing.The Empyrean Seriesis largely told through Violet’s perspective. It makes the most sense as she is the protagonist and is learning the ways of the world alongside us throughout.Violet also functions as a great source of information for us as she was trained as a Scribe, allowing us quick glimpses into the world’s history without slowing the plot down. That being said,Onyx Storm’s coverseems to hint at other characters joining Violet in the top POV spot.
Having multiple POVs would be beneficial forOnyx Stormasso many parts of Navarre’s history and current plots are still unknown to Violet.Andarna’s history, Tairn’s secrets, and many of the schemes of Basigath’s higher-ups could be showcased in POV chapters for dramatic effect. But one particular POV that would truly make the story shine for me could be coming according to the cover.

Looks Like Onyx Storm’s Cover Just Confirmed Our Theories About It
Onyx Storm’s cover has finally been revealed, and I’m feeling even more confident in our theories about the upcoming Fourth Wing sequel.
Onyx Storm’s Cover Promises A Greater Focus On Xaden In The Fourth Wing Sequel
Onyx Storm’s Color Scheme And Talk Of Darkness Could Point To Xaden
The color scheme and several mentions of darkness on the cover of the upcoming book hints at more POV chapters fromXaden inOnyx Storm.Onyx Storm’s cover is largely monochrome, with most of the cover in darkness.I think this could be a hint at a focus on Xaden due to his shadow manipulation.The silvery mist could also point to Xaden’s signets, as it could symbolize his abilities as an inntinnsic that can literally break through the fog and read someone’s intentions.
Not only would Xaden’s POV help answer several burning questions inOnyx Storm, but it would also deliver some of the moments I have been hoping for sinceFourth Wing.

The book’s tagline"Brave The Dark"could also refer to Xaden as he braves his newfound venin nature. Xaden turning venin amplified his power and could throw his character further into doubt about his humanity and ability to be kind.Therefore, braving the dark could refer to Xaden’s POV focusing on his inner conflictas the power tries to take over. Not only would Xaden’s POV help answer severalburning questions inOnyx Storm, but it would also deliver some of the moments I have been hoping for sinceFourth Wing.
I Hope Onyx Storm Delivers The Xaden POV Chapters I’ve Wanted Since Fourth Wing
Xaden’s POV Was Featured In The End Chapters Of Both Empyrean Series Books
IfOnyx Stormfeatures Xaden’s POV, I hope it will deliver more of the moments I loved inFourth WingandIron Flame.We only get to see Xaden’s POV duringFourth WingandIron Flame’s ending. Though we only see it twice,those moments showcase so much of Xaden’s love of Violet and his softer characteristics, making them some of my favorite chapters. I loved it when Xaden lowered his guard, allowing himself to feel that love and devotion. IfOnyx Stormincludes his POV, it would be amazing as we get to see more of Xaden’s softer side.
ThroughoutFourth Wing,Xaden’s softer side is well hidden beneath his facade, only really being exposed toward the end by Violet’s bedside.Iron Flamegives us a few more moments of peace, but with its ending, that softer side of Xaden may not get shown as often.His POV could let us see it as he clings to his love for Violet to keep his humanity,improving his character further and giving readers some cuter moments. Having his POV would also give readers further insight into his mind, especially as his secrets are no longer just his to hold.

Including Xaden’s POV Makes Sense After His Secrets Come Out In Iron Flame
His POV Would Be Symbolic Of His Growing Trust In Violet
Adding Xaden’s POV toOnyx Stormwould make sense considering that his secrets came out inIron Flame,which would allow his POV to become symbolic.Violet and Xaden inIron Flamewere in a tumultuous place as Xaden’s secrets forced him to keep her at arm’s length. Violet’s discovery of those secrets showcased both her cleverness and his growing trust in her, cementing their connection afterFourth Wing’s initial spark.Now that his secrets are out, Xaden’s POV could become more prominentto show he has little left to hide from Violet and us readers.
Xaden’s POV would not only work narratively to give the readers more information.It would also let us see Xaden in his more vulnerable moments, much like Violet did inIron Flameand likely will in future books.That vulnerability and truth could showcase his desire to rely on others and trust more inOnyx Storm, something he struggled with in the first two installments. Xaden’s POV could show that he is learning from those mistakes, especially as he needs Violet’s help to cure him of his venin curse.

